Original, funny, and yet also extremely moving in places, Mackenzie Crook’s new sitcom, Small Prophets, is a modern-day masterpiece.

‘The rise of magic realism in TV reflects society’s increased frustration with reality’, a definition listed in a 2022 article by Tim Hawking. The beauty of Small Prophets is that it illustrates this in abundance. Against a backdrop of realistic situations and problems, this new BBC2 sitcom is an enchanting tale that completely warms the heart.

Created and written by talented Mackenzie Crook (The Office, Detectorists), the action takes place in present day south Manchester, England. We first meet likeable, 50-odd-year-old Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley), living a mundane existence, who finds his mundane job at a local DIY store mind-numbingly boring. Therefore, to amuse himself he gives out amusing advice (mostly) to any customers who approach him.

He cares deeply about his dad Brian (Michael Palin), who resides in a local care home with what appears to be the early stages of dementia. Brian introduces Michael to the world of alchemy and homunculi. They both hope this could be the key to unlocking the whereabouts of Michael’s disappeared, and much loved girlfriend Clea.

As the series gently develops, never brutally mocking or ridiculing, Michael becomes firm friends with his much younger co-worker Kacey (Lauren Patel). As the narrative proceeds, Kacey is let into Michael’s mysterious new world. The onscreen chemistry between these two actors is a joy to behold.

Shock announcement here, I nearly gave up on this show after episode 2 had ended. I liked it but wasn’t sure if it could hold my suspension-of-disbelief for any longer.  However, the more this sitcom developed, then the more I got hooked by the emotive love story of Michael and Clea.

The humour has this endearing natural quality about it that never feels forced. A highlight for me was when Michael is about to be mugged in the street, only for the assailant to mistake him for Father Christmas. That said, it never at any moment had me crying with laughter (not a criticism), but several times the emotion of the story had me in tears.

All the cast are brilliant, from annoying next-door neighbour Clive (Jon Pointing), who is like a young Victor Meldrew, to loveable and eccentric neighbour Olive (Shola Adewusi) … just don’t mention her ant powder or carpet grass.

The ending of the series is beautifully written with powerful acting. As a show it works because even though I hesitated after episode 2, it most definitely is believable by the end. It has this charming weirdness, originality, and quirkiness to it.

If you love heartwarming TV with a dollop of freshness, then this is an absolute must watch. 5/5.